At the beginning of 2025, Vancouver was hit by heavy snow and temperatures dropped below freezing. Although the police had already cleared tent encampments, many people experiencing homelessness continued to gather in Oppenheimer Park, seeking basic support. In response to these hardships, Tzu Chi volunteers began holding monthly hot meal distributions at the park starting in March 2025, providing food and sharing Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorisms to offer comfort and encouragement to those without a home.
Preparing with Care and Compassion
On the last Sunday morning of each month, over twenty volunteers gather at the Tzu Chi Canada Western Region Office, working together to slice bread, peel eggs, cut potatoes, mix salad, bake bread, assemble sandwiches, and prepare lemon tea. During the meal preparation, volunteers deeply reflected on Master Cheng Yen’s teaching: “You must truly understand what people need in order to truly help them.”
The team is mindful of every detail, steaming bread to make it easier for those with dental issues, using only fresh ingredients, and offering sugar-free drinks for those with blood sugar concerns. These thoughtful touches ensure recipients feel respected and cared for. In about two hours, nearly 400 sandwiches are ready for delivery.
Before heading out, volunteers Ally Huang (黃月裡) and Pearl Chang (張秋珠) reminded everyone: “Some people may have an odor after not showering for days, or may feel unwell and could be irritable. Please wear your volunteer uniform and stay safe. Serve with humility and respect. Be patient and keep a pure heart. Through giving, we gain blessings and wisdom, learning to cultivate resilience and compassion.”
LEFT: On distribution day, more than twenty Vancouver Tzu Chi volunteers gathered early at the Tzu Chi Canada Western Region Office, working together to prepare sandwiches and lemon tea. RIGHT: At 2 p.m., all the volunteers arrived at Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver’s Chinatown, quickly setting up tents, tables, and food and drink stations. Volunteers performed sign language and played the English song “Love and Care.” | Photos: Wayne Wu
A Meal and a Message
At 2 p.m., volunteers arrive at Oppenheimer Park, quickly setting up tents, tables, and food stations. As music plays, volunteers perform sign language to the song “Love and Care,” creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soon, people line up for their meals; many expressing gratitude and chatting with the volunteers.
LEFT: As soon as the music started, people lined up for meals. RIGHT: Recipients received their hot meals with joy and gratitude many expressing thanks and chatting with volunteers. | Photos: Wayne Wu
When volunteers display a Jing Si Aphorism banner, many pause to read Master Cheng Yen’s words. Volunteers also hand out special Jing Si Aphorism stickers, which recipients proudly wear on their clothes or backpacks. Some even share how the messages resonate with them.
One recipient was moved to tears after reading an aphorism, prompting volunteers to offer comfort and companionship. Throughout the distribution, volunteers bow respectfully and offer hot sandwiches and iced lemon tea with both hands—a gesture of dignity and care. Many recipients show admirable self-restraint, taking only what they need and often saying, “Leave it for someone who needs it more.” They explain that, without a place to store food, taking extra would only lead to spoilage.
Letting Go of Hatred, Sharing Hope
A recipient, Bob (alias), shared,
“There is war and harm everywhere in the world. Tzu Chi lets go of hatred and helps people, providing hot meals to those in need. This is truly meaningful. I believe the world can put down its weapons and break bread together. When you share bread, you don’t get angry with each other. Let’s work together, not against each other, for a better life. Thank you, Tzu Chi!”
Another recipient, Chuck (alias), was once an architect. After a traumatic brain injury, he became extremely sensitive to his surroundings and wakes up each morning with headaches. Following a heart attack and knee surgery, his family left him. For the past eight months, he has slept in his car, waiting for government housing.
He shared, “The community center opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., so I have to remember to use the restroom before sleeping.” At the event, he chose the aphorism, “A smiling face is the most beautiful.” Despite his hardships, he remains optimistic, believing that everything happens for a reason. His attitude inspired both volunteers and fellow recipients.
LEFT: When volunteers displayed the Jing Si Aphorism banner, many recipients stopped to read Master Cheng Yen’s words. Volunteers also handed out special aphorism stickers for recipients’ clothes or backpacks. RIGHT: Volunteers bowed respectfully and offered hot sandwiches and iced lemon tea with both hands, expressing dignity and care. | Photos: Wayne Wu
Volunteers Reflect on the Power of Giving
Volunteer Stephen shared,
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event. It has helped me deeply understand compassion and made me think about how people from different backgrounds may walk different paths, but we are all human and should love, respect, and care for one another.”
Young volunteer Yung-Hsin Yang said happily, “After the event was over, a man came asking for food. I gave him my only portion because he needed it more than I did. He was so happy, and it made my heart feel very warm.” “At first, slicing the bread was hard and difficult, but when we made them into sandwiches and gave them out, seeing the smiles on their faces made it all worth it. I feel that no amount of tiredness matters,” shared young volunteer Yi-Ting Tsai joyfully.
Volunteer Pei-Hsuan Ho stated, “When I was young, I often joined my parents and other Tzu Chi volunteers for nighttime distributions. It made me appreciate my current happiness even more, and I’m very happy to be able to continue doing meaningful things.”
A hot meal and a Jing Si Aphorism not only warm the stomach but also the heart. Each monthly distribution is more than material aid—it is a practice of dignity and compassion. Volunteers gather their love into a beacon of light, making the streets of Vancouver a little less cold.
Written by Wayne Wu (吳承治)
Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)
Source: 熱食發放助街友 靜思法語暖人心
